Health effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in common diseases

作者：Jia, G.; Qiong, Z.; Yong-Hua, W.^*

来源：International Food Research Journal, 2021, 28(6): 1098-1108.

• n-3 PUFAs
• beneficial effect
• disease risk factors
• common diseases

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), such as alpha-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic acids mostly exist in marine-derived foods, and have shown beneficial effects for hypertriglyceridemia, endothelial function, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Studies suggest that n-3 PUFAs can regulate the activity of NF-Kappa B, Nrf2, SREBP-1c, and PPAR alpha, which are linked to inflammations, ROS homeostasis, and lipid metabolism. Several epidemiological trials and physiological studies indicated protective effect of n-3 PUFAs against various common diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This review summarises the findings of many such studies highlighting the beneficial effects of n-3 PUFAs.